The Tragic Nature of the Yue Opera Xianglin Sao

This article examines the Yue opera production Xianglin Sao as a subject of research, with the aim of identifying innovations in the expression of tragedy during the modernization of Yue opera. It analyzes the historical context and the motivations behind the creation of the play, which is based on Lu Xun’s short story Blessing (Zhufu, 祝福 – a ritual New Year sacrifice), as well as the specific features of its adaptation. The study focuses on three aspects of tragic aesthetics: the tragic theme, stage embodiment, and symbolic imagery. The first part draws on Lu Xun’s literary thought, revealing the mechanism of “cannibalism” (“chi ren” 吃人) inherent in feudal ethics, which manifests as economic oppression, spiritual suppression, and social coldness. The article explores how these tragic elements are transformed into visual and auditory impact through theatrical means. The second part highlights artistic innovations in various versions of the production featuring Yuan Xuefen – particularly in the vocal expression of suffering, staging techniques depicting madness, and changes in costume color schemes to intensify the tragic atmosphere. The evolution of the performance from 1946 to 2021 is traced, demonstrating the increasing expressiveness of tragedy within Yue opera. The third part examines the uniqueness of the tragic style in Yue opera, where symbolic stage images such as “wind and snow” (feng xue, 风雪) and “offerings on the threshold” (juan menkan, 捐门槛) serve a dual function: emotional release and cultural critique. The research methodology includes literature analysis and musical dramaturgy of the opera. The author concludes that the Yue opera Xianglin Sao, through its stage adaptation, vividly conveys the profound critique of feudal morality embedded in Lu Xun’s original work. The production is marked by strong social orientation and contemporary relevance. The artistic boldness shown by Yuan Xuefen and other masters in singing and stage movement infused Yue opera with new lyricism and tragic intensity, expanding its expressive potential. Recurring symbols such as “wind and snow” and “offerings on the threshold” effectively visualize social oppression, transforming the abstract violence of tradition into a tangible theatrical image. This attests to the artistic vitality and humanistic essence of Yue opera in the course of its modernization.